Dental health is an important part of overall health and wellness, but it can be hard to know what questions to ask a dentist. The next time you’re at the dentist’s office, you can try asking some of these questions:
How often should I visit?
The best advice for how often to visit the dentist is to see them at least once a year (for most patients, we recommend twice per year) and more often if you have gum disease, cavities or an unusual medical condition. This can be difficult for some people to remember, so it’s helpful for you and your dentist if you set up a recurring appointment that fits your schedule.
It’s also important to know that many factors affect how often you need to visit the dentist. If you have gum disease or cavities, then it’s more likely that you’ll need attention sooner than someone who doesn’t have either of those issues. However, if your gums don’t need attention in this scenario, it may not be necessary for another six months (or more). A good rule of thumb is: “If something feels wrong…visit the dentist immediately.”
Is there a way to reverse gum disease?
Gum disease is a serious condition, but it’s not the end of the world. If you have gum disease, there are many steps you can take to reverse it and prevent further damage.
If you have gum disease:
- You can treat your gums with medication or surgery.
- You can stop smoking and cut back on your sugar intake.
- You may need regular cleanings at the dentist to avoid plaque build-up.
What can I do to reduce the stains on my teeth?
Use whitening toothpaste and mouthwash. If your dentist recommends a whitening toothpaste, try using it daily for one week before you visit the dentist again for an evaluation. Whitening mouthwash may also help reduce stains on your teeth and improve their appearance.
Use a whitening toothbrush with soft bristles to gently scrub away surface stains daily after brushing your teeth with toothpaste or mouthwash, which further improves their brightness (but using a regular soft-bristled brush is acceptable if you prefer).
Be patient! It may take several weeks to see results from these home remedies, but they’re worth trying because they can make all the difference in how white your smile looks when you smile!
How can I ease my anxiety during dental visits?
There are several ways to help you relax during your next dental visit.
Take a deep breath
If your dentist is trying to examine your mouth, and you can’t understand what he or she is saying, take a moment to breathe and then ask for clarification.
Be sure to relax
If you’re nervous about the procedure, it’s okay to ask for a sedative so that you don’t panic as much when something goes wrong (or even if everything goes right). You can also request that they call in another dentist if they aren’t comfortable with the one who’s performing the surgery, or even change offices altogether!
We hope this list of questions will help you get better acquainted with your dentist—and your mouth. If you keep seeing them regularly, ask lots of questions, and take great care of your teeth, you’ll be on the right track to a lifetime of good health.
For your next dental appointment, get in touch with South Georgetown Dental today at 905.702.0222 or hello@southgeorgetowndental.com.
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